Realforce 87u Silent or Not?

[forTruce]

A pipe burst in my house and water was dripping out of the ceiling into the bottom floor...right onto my Leopold w/ blues. The keyboard still functions, but a few keys register double clicks occasionally. This puts me in the market for a new keyboard. I mean I could just use my Filco (browns), Model M, or AT101, but regardless my collection has dwindled and I cannot stand for that.

I have always wanted to delve into Topre switches, and I'm leaning towards getting an 87u. I'm interested in your thoughts on getting the Silent vs the regular version. Sound isn't an issue; I'm more concerned with the difference in feel between the two.

Thanks!

[jameslr]

A pipe burst in my house and water was dripping out of the ceiling into the bottom floor...right onto my Leopold w/ blues. The keyboard still functions, but a few keys register double clicks occasionally. This puts me in the market for a new keyboard. I mean I could just use my Filco (browns), Model M, or AT101, but regardless my collection has dwindled and I cannot stand for that.

I have always wanted to delve into Topre switches, and I'm leaning towards getting an 87u. I'm interested in your thoughts on getting the Silent vs the regular version. Sound isn't an issue; I'm more concerned with the difference in feel between the two.

Thanks!

Just let it dry out more. The switches no doubt still work. The only reason to get the silent board is if you don't like to hear the effects of your typing. Silenced vs non-silenced feel about the same.

[forTruce]

Just let it dry out more. The switches no doubt still work. The only reason to get the silent board is if you don't like to hear the effects of your typing. Silenced vs non-silenced feel about the same.

It has been drying out for over a month now. I should really open her up and see if there isn't some more obvious explanation.

About how loud is the non-silent version in relation to blue switches?

[jameslr]

Just let it dry out more. The switches no doubt still work. The only reason to get the silent board is if you don't like to hear the effects of your typing. Silenced vs non-silenced feel about the same.

It has been drying out for over a month now. I should really open her up and see if there isn't some more obvious explanation.

About how loud is the non-silent version in relation to blue switches?

Realforce boards in general are pretty quiet. Quite a bit quieter than MX blue. I'm sure you can find some youtube videos that have comparisons. Here is an audio clip of a Realforce 55g non-silenced.

[jameslr]

Here is a better clip.

[forTruce]

Realforce boards in general are pretty quiet. Quite a bit quieter than MX blue. I'm sure you can find some youtube videos that have comparisons. Here is an audio clip of a Realforce 55g non-silenced.

That sounds amazing, thanks! Non-silenced it is. I see you have the 55g. I was just going to go with the traditional variable weight, but I'm curious about your thoughts on that as well.

[jameslr]

Variable weight boards are pretty light compared to the 55g board. I believe most of the alphas are ~30g which is ultra light. I wouldn't recommend the variable weight boards as, unless you're a very light touch typist (most people aren't), you'll have a significantly higher error rate. The bottom out force on the variable weight is also a bit more harsh versus the 55g. You could go somewhere in between with the uniform 45g weighted board.

[forTruce]

Variable weight boards are pretty light compared to the 55g board. I believe most of the alphas are ~30g which is ultra light. I wouldn't recommend the variable weight boards as, unless you're a very light touch typist (most people aren't), you'll have a significantly higher error rate. The bottom out force on the variable weight is also a bit more harsh versus the 55g. You could go somewhere in between with the uniform 45g weighted board.

I'm glad I asked. I looked at the actuation forces for cherry mx switches which list blues at 50-60g, and I wouldn't want to go lower weight than my blues.

Thanks for all your help!

[MJ45]

Another option is the Novatouch if you wait another month or so. Its 45g and has MX cap compatibility if you have some sets.

[jameslr]

Variable weight boards are pretty light compared to the 55g board. I believe most of the alphas are ~30g which is ultra light. I wouldn't recommend the variable weight boards as, unless you're a very light touch typist (most people aren't), you'll have a significantly higher error rate. The bottom out force on the variable weight is also a bit more harsh versus the 55g. You could go somewhere in between with the uniform 45g weighted board.

I'm glad I asked. I looked at the actuation forces for cherry mx switches which list blues at 50-60g, and I wouldn't want to go lower weight than my blues.

Thanks for all your help!

No problem. I'd like to point out that cherry weighting versus topre weighting is quite a bit different. Take the number with a grain of salt is all I'm saying. People that type just fine on Cherry MX blue for hours often complain of fatigue on 55g realforce. They are heavier, for sure as I have a CM QFR with blues sitting right here. It's just a completely different feeling in comparison to the MX switches. The only MX switch that I think comes close to 55g Realforce is probably MX clear (stock springs).

[forTruce]

No problem. I'd like to point out that cherry weighting versus topre weighting is quite a bit different. Take the number with a grain of salt is all I'm saying. People that type just fine on Cherry MX blue for hours often complain of fatigue on 55g realforce. They are heavier, for sure as I have a CM QFR with blues sitting right here. It's just a completely different feeling in comparison to the MX switches. The only MX switch that I think comes close to 55g Realforce is probably MX clear (stock springs).

Interesting...Have you ever used a Model M? Could you compare the force to that?

Another option is the Novatouch if you wait another month or so. Its 45g and has MX cap compatibility if you have some sets.

That is a nice looking keyboard, but I'm not sure about the wait or getting something so new. I will keep my eyes out for how well it's received going forward though, thanks.

[jameslr]

Interesting...Have you ever used a Model M? Could you compare the force to that?

It has been a long time since I have used a "clean" buckling spring board. The one I have is one that was picked up from Goodwill for $3 and needs a cleaning. It's heavier than my Realforce no doubt about it. Other BS + Topre users can chime in.

[Heliosphere]

I just got a Model M recently and buckling springs are pretty heavy compared to Cherry MX blue or brown (which is what I'm used to). Therefore I type a lot slower on the M - it's a neat typing experience but I wouldn't say I love it.

Haven't used a Realforce before, but I've used HHKB2 in standard and Type-S, which are quite light (45g I believe) and enjoyable. I personally preferred the sound of standard Topres over silenced, but both were really fun to type on. I sold my HHKBs since I prefer the larger layouts. Might pick up a Realforce or Novatouch in the future.

[forTruce]

It has been a long time since I have used a "clean" buckling spring board. The one I have is one that was picked up from Goodwill for $3 and needs a cleaning. It's heavier than my Realforce no doubt about it. Other BS + Topre users can chime in.

Haven't used a Realforce before, but I've used HHKB2 in standard and Type-S, which are quite light (45g I believe) and enjoyable. I personally preferred the sound of standard Topres over silenced, but both were really fun to type on. I sold my HHKBs since I prefer the larger layouts. Might pick up a Realforce or Novatouch in the future.

Thanks for the input. I looked up some other comparisons as well, and based on my experiences with blues, browns, and my model m, I think I would be best served by 55g.

Now I just have to suffer through the time it takes to ship it to me. :/

[jameslr]

You're gonna love it. It's my favorite keyboard by far.

[Grim Fandango]

I use variable at work and all 45g at home. I like both. Variable feels a tad bit lighter, even though the 45g are already pretty light. Personally I love that. It is comfortable to type on and I love the feel of these boards. But if you are not sure whether you like a keyboard that feels light, then you should go at least with the 45g.